Oil On Whyte
Fansided

We win

By Phil Gretzky

May 14, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after scoring against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers goalies Mike Smith Shakes Hands With Quick
Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Smith

Both goaltenders were excellent in this series. The Kings would’ve had more than two blowouts if it weren’t for Jonathan Quick. But Smith has made several timely saves that Jonathan Quick didn’t, and that helped tipped the balance of power in the series towards the Oilers.

Smith has a history of raising his play in the playoffs, and this year was no different. Lifetime he has a .932 sv% in the playoffs, buoyed by a .938 sv% in the first round of this year.

With his play at the end of the regular season, Smith boosted his sv% over 15 points and that momentum has continued in the playoffs.

Contrast this with Quick, who by eye test did pretty good but finished only with a .910 sv% in the playoffs this season, and in the Oilers 8-2 game three victory he was chased from the nets altogether.

GAA is similar story. Smith finished with a 2.29 GAA, compared to Quick’s 2.59. Smith has a 2.33 GAA lifetime in the playoffs while a 2.7 in the regular season.

One of the key ingredients to a playoff series win is you need to get not just good, but timely, goaltending. The Edmonton Oilers got that in spades this time around, and I have no reason to suspect that will end in the second round.

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